Be more proactive in conservation tasks, public told

SANDAKAN: The man on the street should be more proactive in protecting wildlife habitats and also help centres established for rescued threatened animals, said Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) chief executive officerWong Siew Te.

These conservation tasks should not be just left to the Government, non-governmental organisations and researchers, he said.

He added that both humans and wildlife were part of the ecosystem and there must be willingness on the part of locals to chip in whenever they can to support the cause of threatened species.

Citing the recent “Big Dreams, Little Bears” event held in this east coast town of Sabah, Wong said BSBCC worked with a group of local volunteers and raised RM443,000, covering almost a quarter of the RM2mil budget for this year to complete a second bear house, create an additional forest enclosure and also to pay for daily costs.

“I hope the people of Sandakan feel ownership to the centre because it is through their involvement, one way or another, that has helped the facility come this far and which will drive it further.

“Once it is opened to the public by early next year, it will become another important eco and nature attraction, allowing Sandakan to do its part for the world in promoting conservation,” he said.

The centre will also lead to greater awareness on the plight of wildlife and also boost the local economy through tourism-related ventures and other spin-off activities.

“We hope to continue encouraging locals, especially the business community, to support sun bear conservation. They can be the driving force behind public opinion on how the species and conservation are perceived,” he added.

The centre promotes sun bear conservation through a holistic approach that involves animal welfare, rehabilitation, research and education.